Synopsis
‘X’ is the first of a new generation of robots which contain an innovative feature - the ability to think, feel and make their own decisions. However this ability could be very dangerous. If ‘X’ were to break the first rule of robotics, ‘A robot must never harm a human being’, the results would be disastrous and I fear that no force on earth could stop him.
Approximately 30 years will be required before we can safely confirm his reliability. Unfortunately I will not live to see that day, nor do I have anyone to carry on my work. Therefore, I have decided to seal him in this capsule, which will test his internal systems until his reliability has been confirmed. Please do not disturb the capsule until that time.
‘X’ possesses great risks as well as great possibilities. I can only hope for the best.
September 18, 20XX
T. Light
Review
The Japanese title for the PSP game is Irregular Hunter X and was released on December 15th, 2005. The US title is Maverick Hunter X released January 31st, 2006. The Day of Sigma OVA is a short unlockable movie that you have access to after beating X mode once. It’s similar to how the .hack game series for the PS2 was bundled with the four part anime .hack//Liminality. The OVA takes place before the events in Megaman X. Sigma had already been infected with Dr. Wily’s virus (ever since his encounter and fight with a berserk Zero, revealed in a flashback in Megaman X4). The OVA marks the turning point when Sigma finally declares his reploid war.
The Japanese Capcom website devoted to the game is located at http://www3.capcom.co.jp/psp_x/ with sound. Along the top are menu buttons. Click and you’ll find a basic storyline overview, 3 movie trailers, screenshots from The Day of Sigma in addition to an interview with the Japanese cast, a boss list, a description of Vava/Vile mode, and plenty of in game footage.
The pitiful excuse for a US website is located at http://www.capcom.com/xpml/game.xpml?gameid=850038 where you’ll be lucky to find in game screenshots of only X. This goes to show how much they care. The US game manual is even in black and white (cheap skates).
The Breakdown
If you are a diehard Megaman fan and by now have invested in a $300 PSP, then chances are you will buy the game. The anime is a more than satisfying bonus.
» The Pros
It's intriguing to see Storm Eagle and Chill Penguin in charge of their respective squadrons conversing with X and Zero before they went maverick. Vile never seemed to have gone maverick. He's simply evil. In the OVA you see them imprisoning Vile. X and Zero ride motorbikes like in Megaman X2. The Day of Sigma also shows them wall climbing.
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» The Cons
The Day of Sigma provides as many questions as it does answers. Prior to this the only information linking the original Megaman series to the Megaman X series were two facts: Dr. Light created X, and Dr. Wily created Zero (Bass's ending in the arcade game Power Fighters 2). The irony is that despite the many battles between their creators, Zero and X are the best of friends. The Day of Sigma shows that X briefly talked with Dr. Light. X is not the original Megaman. What happened to the original Megaman is anyone's guess. My theory is that he was first beaten by Zero. His battered body was then kidnapped by a Dr. Wily from the past when he time traveled and was converted into Quint (Megaman 2 for Gameboy). Dr. Light is clearly alone when he creates X. No helper robots are present. No Roll, no Auto, no Tango, no Rush, no Beat, and no Eddie/Fliptop. Were they all destroyed? Capcom needs to make Megaman 9 and bring resolution to the series (Megaman and Bass/Rockman and Forte for the SNES/GBA is considered Megaman 8.5).
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» Animation
8.0 |
Zero's armor is lighter in the OVA. It's not until Megaman X3 that it's the heavier design. He also doesn't have his saber yet, which he gets in Megaman X2. Who is the pink haired girl? Alia, X's possible love interest, had blond hair. |
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» Sound
8.0 |
There is no separate opening or ending theme. That being said, thank God Dr. Light's English voice doesn't sound like Elmer Fudd from Megaman 8. Dr. Light is near the end of his life. He coughs frequently due to the stress of old age. All the fights with Wily have taken its toll. However, in the English version Dr. Light does seem to sound more youthful and healthy. In the Japanese, his voice is more crackly. Chill Penguin's feet squeak when he moves. |
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» Story
8.5 |
X truly is unique although the original Megaman came close to killing Dr. Wily at the end of Megaman 7. You see cases in the OVA where X is hesitant to fire. He's innocent and doesn't want to harm the lives of others. Sigma notes that he wants X to evolve the reploid race. X is the most common mathematical variable and represents limitless potential. |
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» Recommend
8.0 |
You have to buy the game for $29.99 in order to watch the anime. EB games ripped off a lot of customers charging $39.99. They finally lowered the price, at least on their website. |
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» Other Information
Language: English or Japanese dialogue, depending on which version you purchased. No subtitles.
Extras: Vile mode with animated ending sequence, Megaman Powered Up demo.
Package: Left, the Japanese cover art with X (blue), Vile (purple), Zero (red), and Sigma (green). Right, the US cover art with X and a tiny Boomer Kuwanger in the background. I think we got gypped. |
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
